Te Taiao Maori and the Natural World

How did a people from an intrepid ocean-going culture discover, explain and use the diverse flora and fauna and geological riches of Aotearoa? And how did they cope with the vagaries of a colder, wetter climate? The many words they had for rain and wind provide some indication of the very different weather patterns of this country.This beautifully designed, profusely illustrated book provides a unique perpective on our environment, plants and animals from leading researchers and writers on Maori culture and the natural world including Charles Royal, Rawiri Taonui, Paul Meredith, Bradford Haami and Mere Whaanga. It tells of the relationship of the people with their environment, as well as the knowledge and skills they needed to survive.



This lavish  and most appealing publication is a co-publication between David Bateman Ltd and TeAra.govt.nz - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

Three images below from the book will give you some idea of the quality of the illustrations.

Top image - Taharoa, Kawhia - Photo by Joe Gough/Shutterstock
Center image - Cliff Whiting mural
Lower image - Te Mahinga Kai - Food Gathering - Ngai Tahu Seafood Ltd.